Dorset bucks national trend with high level of apprenticeship opportunities

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Dorset businesses are bucking a national trend which has seen a fall in the number of apprenticeships available to young people.

Bournemouth & Poole College works with over 2,000 employers across Dorset and Hampshire to match the right apprentices with vacancies in different industries including digital marketing, catering and hospitality, hair and beauty, engineering, construction, and care services.

Matt Butcher, commercial director at Bournemouth & Poole College, said that there are currently over 100 apprenticeship vacancies across the region waiting to be filled, which goes against national reports of a drop in businesses offering them.

He added: “We have employers crying out for great candidates. There are so many great local employers offering apprenticeship opportunities to young people and it’s absolutely not too late to apply. The team at The BASE, which is the College’s in-house apprenticeships and employability service, can also help students who are unsure about their CV, covering letter or interview skills.”

Matt went on to say that the College has had a record-breaking year after seeing 215 engineering apprentices start their studies this month, which should help to meet some of the demand from employers.

Ian Girling, the chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that there are currently more apprenticeship vacancies available in the county than there are apprentices looking to take on the roles. He added: “Businesses that are working with apprentices give us tremendous feedback on the contribution that young people make to their companies and we thoroughly recommend that every business in Dorset consider offering apprenticeships.

“We have an ageing workforce in the UK and it’s absolutely vital that businesses are investing in their future teams. This is particularly important in an era where technology is changing the way that we do business so quickly. There are so many jobs that will exist in the future but have not yet been created so it is important that businesses have got their finger on the pulse in terms of future-proofing their workforce.”

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with studying, while having the benefit of earning a wage. There are different levels of apprenticeships available lasting from one to five years. Young people aged 16 and over, who live in England and who are not in education are able to apply for a variety of roles.

Businesses currently offering apprenticeship vacancies supported by the College include Lester Aldridge, Air Bearings, BBD Boom, Marsham Court Hotel, TestLink, Arts University Bournemouth, Simone Thomas, Senspa at Careys Manor and Cuddles Day Nursery.

Adam Lewis, co-founder of BBD Boom, said: “The digital marketing apprenticeship offered at Bournemouth & Poole College has had a significant influence towards the growth of our business. The recruitment process couldn’t be simpler and the candidates that we have had the pleasure of working with now play major roles within the company.”